Simpson University for Seniors

Simpson University for Seniors is a series of month-long courses offered to adults of any age. Classes are offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:20 – 11:20 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Owen Student Services Center on the Simpson University campus. The cost per course is $95 per person or $145 per married couple.

Participants can take classes in eight areas of study: history, science, literature, music and art, Bible, theology, and personal development. Space is limited, and students will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is highly encouraged.

Registration for spring courses starts October 1, 2017.

If you do not wish to register online, please download the 2017-2018 Registration Form (PDF). Please send the completed form and a check for the total amount to:

Simpson University for Seniors
2211 College View Dr., Redding CA, 96003

• Fall 2017 Courses

  September 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29

  
  

  10:20-11:20: Surprised by Luther: His Life and Legacy on the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation: A survey of his formative years, his deep spiritual trials in the Augustinian monastery, and forgotten content of the so-called Ninety-Five Theses. Focus will be given to some of his themes bearing contemporary relevance: suffering and power, law and gospel, interpretations of baptism and communion. We will view and discuss the film Luther, concluding with a sobering exposé of his troubling Anti-Semitism and its place in the larger story of Euro-American racism. Presenter: Craig Slane
  

  11:30-12:30: Fire and Ice: An overview of the geography and physical geology of Northern California. Presenter: Don Claspill

  
  

  October 2, 4, 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25

  
  

  10:20-11:20: Coming to America: The History and Meaning of Immigration: Since the Statue of Liberty first lifted her welcoming torch, America has had a complicated history with immigrants. How does immigration continue to shape the character of our country? This class will be an open and honest exploration of the historical, cultural, legal, and Biblical perspectives on human migration in America. Presenter: Jamie Williams

  
  

  11:30-12:30: The Customs and Culture of the Ancient Israelites: When we open our Bibles, we are confronted with a world different from the one in which we live. Their customs and daily activities often puzzle or surprise us. This course helps in the understanding of that culture. Presenter: Glenn Schaefer

  
  

  November 1, 3, 6, 8, 13, 15, 17, 20, 27, 29

  
  

  10:20-11:20: “Keeping the Faith” in Babylon: How does one develop a vibrant faith and interact in meaningful ways in a pluralistic culture? How can one interact wisely with a culture that is often at odds with Christianity? Presenter: Phil Vaughn

  
  

  11:30-12:30: Six Flags: The fascinating story of the development of the 31st state from the stone age to the atomic age, from hunting and gathering to aero-space. Discover the unprecedented account of the rise of the Golden State from the first sighting by Juan Cabrillo in 1542 to V-J Day in 1945. Presenter: Don Claspill.

• Spring 2018 Courses

  January 8, 10, 12, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31

  
  

  10:20-11:20: The Civil War in Ten Days: This course is a survey of the American Civil War. From Ft. Sumter to Appomattox, this course will examine the causes, leadership, military engagements, strategies, politics, and ultimate legacy of this critical event in our nation’s history. Presenter: John Ayabe

  
  

  11:30-12:30 The Power of the Mature Mind: A practical course of using and expanding your creative mind Presenter: Horst Christian

  
  

  February 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 21, 23, 26

  
  

  10:20-11:20: Chemistry of Everyday Things: How would you identify the sugar solution in a choice of two clear solutions knowing that the other solution was made with the toxic salt aluminum nitrate? You best not taste them! This course explores the chemical interactions behind things with which you are familiar. There will be hands on activities performed in a safe manner. Presenter: Larry Siemens

  
  

  11:30-12:30: World War II: The European Theater: A brief examination of the political, social and economic factors that brought about the rise of “Il Duce’s” Fascism and “Der Fuhrer’s” National Socialism. Focus will be placed on the rise and fall of the “Thousand-Year Reich” and the resultant destruction of European culture and economy, and on the horrific devastation of European Jewry in the Holocaust. Presenter: Don Claspill

  
  

  March 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23

  
  

  10:20-11:20: War Crimes and International Tribunals: “All’s fair in love and war” - or is it? Some activities, such as genocide, are illegal even during wartime. Using case studies, we will examine the tribunals that have prosecuted international war crimes over the years, from the Nuremberg Trials following WWII to the modern International Criminal Court in The Hague. Presenter: Jamie Williams

  
  

  11:30-12:30: Jeremiah, The Man and His Message: The prophet stood at the historic “crossroads” of the Old Testament to serve as God’s spokesman. We will seek to show him in his context—and to see how his “times” have striking parallels to our own. Presenter: Glenn Schaefer

  
  

  April 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25

  
  

  10:20-11:20: Jesus in Jerusalem: The Passion of the Messiah: This course will focus on the final weeks of Jesus’ life and ministry in Jerusalem and address the question “Why was Jesus put to death?” Presenter: Jack Painter

  
  

  11:30-12:30: Human Geography: A focus on the interplay between humans, geographic spaces, and culture. It is “the why of where”, and looks at mapping, human flows, and pop culture diffusion among other things. Being interdisciplinary in nature, it relies on the disciplines of Anthropology, Cultural Ecology, Geography, Language, and Sociology. This is in contrast to World Regional Geography which largely focuses on the physical geographical world. Presenter: Craig Cook

• FAQs
  • Q: When do the classes meet?

    A: Classes meet ten times on a M-W-F format from 10:20-11:20 or 11:30-12:30.

  • Q: Where are the classrooms?

    A: Classes meet on campus in the Owen Center #306.

  • Q: Are there restrooms near the classroom?

    A: They are on the same floors as the classrooms.

  • Q: Is the classroom "user friendly" for people in wheelchairs?

    A: Yes.

  • Q: Do I have to climb stairs?

    A: No. There is an elevator that one can take from the Owen Center lobby to the second and third floors. Some prefer to use the stairs—for the exercise!

  • Q: Is there a limit to the size of the class?

    A: The classroom used determines the size of the class. The room seats 30 people.

  • Q: What is the normal class size?

    A: Most of the class sizes are in the 12-15 range.

  • Q: Is there any homework?

    A: None is required, although a presenter may suggest readings or writing assignments.

  • Q: Are there textbooks that have to be purchased?

    A: None is required, but the presenter may recommend that you bring something to the class.

  • Q: Can these courses be taken for college credit?

    A: No. These courses are not-for-credit.

  • Q: Can the courses count for "Continuing Education Units"? [CEU]

    A: Check with your employer to see if he/she will accept these courses for CEU “credits”.

  • Q: Is it wise to register early?

    A: Early registrations are strongly encouraged to determine the interest in the subject. If there are not sufficient registrants the week before the course is scheduled to begin, the course will be canceled.

  • Q: Can I register for BOTH classes offered each month?

    A: Yes! The one follows the other time-wise.

  • Q: How can I register?

    A: You can register online at simpsonu.edu/seniorschool. It will open in “Academics.” In the left column, scroll down to “SU for Seniors.” That allows you to pay by credit card. If you prefer, you can complete a paper registration form and pay with a check.

    Register Online Today!
  • Q: Can I come to campus to register?

    A: You may register & pay by check in the Advancement Office, 3rd floor of the Owen Center room 304.

  • Q: Where do I send in my registration form?

    A: Simpson University for Seniors, 2211 College View Drive, Redding, CA 96003.

  • Q: To whom do I make out the check?

    A: "Simpson University"

  • Q: Can I register for courses scheduled for spring 2018?

    A: Registration for spring courses opens on October 1, 2017.

  • Q: What is the cost for the course?

    A: Each course costs $95 per person. If a couple registers for the same course, the cost is $145 - a savings of $50.

  • Q: Can my spouse and I sign up for two different courses and pay still $145 (instead of $95 per course)?

    A: No. To receive the discount, the couple must register for the same course.

  • Q: Is there an incentive for taking multiple courses?

    A: There is! If one registers for three courses, the fourth one is free.

  • Q: Are there any scholarships?

    A: No.

  • Q: Is there a discount if one registers for two or more courses at the same time? For veterans or SU alumni?

    A: No.

  • Q: How can I pay?

    A: If you register online, you can use a credit card. If you mail in the completed registration form, you can pay by check.

  • Q: Can I register and pay later?

    A: No. One is registered only after one completes the registration form and pays the fee.

  • Q: What is your refund policy?

    A: There are no refunds. (If the class is full when you seek to register for the class, your payment will be returned to you.)

  • Q: Where can I park?

    A: The closest spaces are in the parking lot of the Heritage Center (gym). However, you may park in the lot to the west of the Owen Center.

  • Q: Are there spaces for handicap parking?

    A: Directly facing the Owen Center lobby are three spaces.

  • Q: Can I park on the street parallel to the Owen Center?

    A: Unfortunately, no parking on campus streets is allowed.

  • Q: Who are the presenters?

    A: The presenters are current or semi-retired professors or experts in their fields.

  • Q: How young can a person be to begin taking these courses?

    A: Any adult can register for a course. There are no age limits.

  • Q: Can I record the class sessions?

    A: Each presenter decides whether or not to allow lectures to be recorded.

  • Q: May I use the campus library if I am a SU for Seniors student?

    A: Yes! You have the same privileges as other SU students for the year. In addition, you are free to use the bookstore, coffee shop and dining center.

  • Q: Whom can I contact for more information?

    A: You can contact Dianne Mueller at (530) 226-4758 or Dr. Glenn Schaefer at (530) 226-4146. You can also email them at seniorschool@simpsonu.edu